In August 2024, APEX Vascular welcomed Dr. George Michael Lodeiro, a fellowship-trained vascular surgeon, to our team. Dr. Lodeiro brings cutting-edge expertise to the practice, having just completed his fellowship at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville. His passion for limb salvage and advanced endovascular techniques fills a critical need in the East Tennessee region.
As a first-generation Cuban American, Dr. Lodeiro offers bilingual care, enhancing accessibility for Spanish-speaking patients. His patient-centered approach, combining technical skill with empathy and compassion, has already begun to make a significant impact in the community.
To help patients get to know Dr. Lodeiro better, we’ve asked him to share insights about his background, unique approach to vascular care, and personal interests.
What inspired you to pursue a career in vascular surgery?
When we asked Dr. Lodeiro what inspired him to pursue a career in vascular surgery, he described that it was influenced by two key factors. First, his exposure to vascular surgeons as mentors sparked his interest in the field. They provided valuable insights into the specialty and demonstrated its impact on patient care.
A more personal reason was his grandmother’s experience in Cuba. “My grandmother had to deal with something…she was having problems when she lived in Cuba,” Dr. Lodeiro explained. “I found out it was from not having vascular surgery in that country.” This played a major role in his decision to pursue vascular surgery as a speciality.
Why did you choose to join APEX Vascular?
Dr. Lodeiro told us that he chose to join APEX Vascular immediately after completing his fellowship for several compelling reasons. As a dedicated family man with three children and a wife settled in Knoxville, he was determined to remain in the area.
Another reason was his overall impression of APEX Vascular and how we aligned with his professional interests. “The reason why I chose APEX was that it’s really the only advanced, dedicated limb salvage center in the region,” Dr. Lodeiro said. “I just wanted to be a part of starting and helping be a part of a dedicated limb salvage program.”
How do you ensure that your patients are involved and informed in their care decisions?
Dr. Lodeiro explained to us that he ensures patient involvement and informed decision-making through a comprehensive and patient-centered approach. He meets with patients multiple times, allowing them to process information and come to decisions independently without pushing procedures.
Dr. Lodeiro prioritizes understanding the patient’s perspective by asking what they think about the information provided and what matters most to them. He told us:
“Maybe to them, it’s not that big of a deal that they have that big of a blockage and they could have a life-altering stroke. But what is a big deal to them is having to undergo a surgery that they know is going to be life-altering for a set amount of time in a couple of months. So you have to provide what’s important to the patient and give them as much information as possible, guiding them on how to make an adequate decision with the information that I’ve given them.”
What’s your way of valuing patient experience and outcomes?
Dr. Lodeiro told us that he prioritizes patient experience and outcomes through a thoughtful, patient-centered approach. He establishes trust by:
- Setting clear boundaries
- Being vulnerable about his capabilities
- Encouraging patients to express their priorities and expectations
According to Dr. Lodeiro:
“Every encounter I have with a patient, I do with integrity, and I’m also generous to understand that those people are trying their best. That’s how you establish trust—boundaries, integrity, and generosity, and I do that with every single patient.“
“I just really want to sit down and know what these patients are doing,” he said. By fostering open communication and demonstrating genuine interest in patients’ well-being, Dr. Lodeiro creates a foundation of trust that enhances the overall patient experience and can lead to better outcomes.
Where did your passion for the Spanish language and culture come from?
When we asked about his passion for bilingual care, Dr. Lodeiro told us about his upbringing as a first-generation Cuban American. Born to Cuban immigrant parents in Tampa, Florida, he was immersed in Spanish from an early age. His family eventually moved to East Tennessee when he was 10 years old.
His parents insisted on speaking only Spanish at home, a decision he initially found annoying but later appreciated as a deliberate effort to preserve their cultural heritage. Dr. Lodeiro learned English when he started school, but Spanish remained an integral part of his identity.
The lack of Spanish speakers in the area has fueled his commitment to bridging linguistic and cultural gaps in healthcare:
“That was another big reason I thought APEX aligned with me a lot more. They’re patient-centered and to them the experience that the patient is having is really important. I just can’t believe that there’s no other fluent spanish-speaking vascular surgeons in the greater Knoxville area. It’s kind of sad.”
What’s your unique approach to surgery and care?
Dr. Lodeiro shared that his unique approach to vascular surgery and care is characterized by a unique blend of technical expertise and deep emotional intelligence. He is passionately dedicated to limb salvage and emphasizes early detection and proactive intervention.
Dr. Lodeiro’s method stands out in a field often focused on rapid problem-solving, as he:
- Prioritizes the human aspect of patient care
- Acknowledges the vulnerability inherent in medical encounters
- Fosters a deeper connection with his patients
What sets Dr. Lodeiro apart is how psychologically-minded he is. “My sister is a psychiatrist,” he explained, “so I’ve learned to be a more mindful person.” He recognizes the emotional impact of medical diagnoses on patients and deliberately takes time to address their feelings and uncertainties.
This approach allows patients to process information and express emotions, creating a more holistic healing environment.
How do you integrate the latest technologies and techniques into your practice?
Dr. Lodeiro talked about bringing cutting-edge expertise to APEX Vascular, having just completed his fellowship training in August 2024. His recent education ensures that he’s well-versed in the latest vascular surgery techniques and advancements. As an active member of the Society for Vascular Surgery and Southern Association for Vascular Surgery, he stays current by regularly studying the Journal of Vascular Surgery and other relevant literature.
“I’m constantly reading the current literature so I remain adaptable to changes in my field. I went into surgery to push myself to do the best I can for my patients, so I’m not going to be stagnant and not continue to educate myself on what vascular surgeons are doing worldwide.”
Dr. Lodeiro also stays on top of European medical advances, which often precede U.S. developments, through resources like TCTMD. This global perspective allows him to incorporate innovative approaches into his practice while adhering to FDA standards.
What are your future goals and vision for APEX Vascular as a whole?
Dr. Lodeiro let us know that his vision for APEX Vascular centers on establishing it as Tennessee’s premier accredited limb salvage center, with a focus on peripheral artery disease. He aims to expand APEX’s reach into rural areas of Tennessee, where specialized vascular care is often lacking.
Dr. Lodeiro recognizes the challenges patients in rural areas currently face, saying, “As it is right now, you see another provider or another hospital, and they want you to go all the way to downtown Knoxville, and some of these patients don’t have the time or the resources to be driving an hour.”
By investing in facilities and building relationships in rural communities, APEX can bring advanced vascular care closer to patients’ homes. This strategy not only improves accessibility but also aligns with patients’ needs and preferences, enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life. Dr. Lodeiro is currently seeing patients at our Lenoir City and West Knoxville locations, but his reach will continue to grow as we open new clinics across East Tennessee.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
Outside of work, Dr. Lodeiro prioritizes family time by enjoying life with his wife and two daughters, with a third child on the way. They frequently visit his wife’s family in Lexington, KY, strengthening their family bonds.
Dr. Lodeiro also embraces the outdoors, spending as much time as possible in the great outdoors. He enjoys fishing in scenic locations like the Smoky Mountains, Norris Lake, and the Clinch River. This balance of family engagement and outdoor activities allows him to recharge and connect with nature.
Dr. George Lodeiro’s path to vascular surgery was influenced by mentors and personal experiences, particularly his grandmother’s struggles with vascular issues in Cuba. Joining APEX Vascular in Knoxville allowed him to focus on limb salvage while remaining close to his family. He emphasizes patient involvement and understanding, fostering trust through open communication and a patient-centered approach.
APEX Vascular is a vascular surgery and vein center with locations in Knoxville, Lenoir City, Crossville, Decatur, and Harrogate, TN. We are dedicated to delivering personalized, high-quality care that goes beyond medical treatment. Our exceptional vascular staff, boasting extensive experience in vascular surgery, works tirelessly to elevate the standards of patient care and contribute to your overall well-being. Visit us online or call us at 865-562-3232 to request an appointment today!
